Coast Guard's Talent Management Transformation contract awarded to Java Productions for $7.9M to modernize personnel services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,905,083 ($7.9M)

Contractor: Java Productions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-03-05

End Date: 2025-10-04

Contract Duration: 578 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: A CALL ORDER TO PROVIDE PERSONNEL, MANAGEMENT, MATERIALS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE USCG TALENT MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMATION (TMX) TASK FORCE (TF) (TMX-TF).

Place of Performance

Location: BLACKSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, VIRGINIA, 24060

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.9 million to JAVA PRODUCTIONS, INC. for work described as: A CALL ORDER TO PROVIDE PERSONNEL, MANAGEMENT, MATERIALS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE USCG TALENT MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMATION (TMX) TASK FORCE (TF) (TMX-TF). Key points: 1. Contract aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness of USCG talent management processes. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding environment. 3. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Task order under a larger BPA indicates potential for follow-on work and established vendor relationships. 5. Focus on administrative and management consulting services highlights a need for process improvement and strategic guidance. 6. Contract duration of over 1.5 years allows for substantial project implementation and impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $7.9 million for a 1.5-year duration appears reasonable for a comprehensive talent management transformation initiative. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government consulting contracts for process modernization suggests this is within a typical range. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined. Further analysis would require comparing the specific deliverables and expected outcomes against industry standards for talent management solutions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and solutions to win the contract. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition was intended and likely occurred, which is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovative solutions. It reduces the risk of overpayment and promotes value for money.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard personnel, who will experience modernized and potentially more efficient talent management services. The contract will deliver improved processes for recruitment, retention, development, and overall management of Coast Guard talent. The geographic impact is primarily within the U.S. Coast Guard's operational areas, affecting personnel across various locations. Workforce implications include potential changes to HR processes and systems, impacting both civilian and military personnel management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Scope creep risk if TMX-TF requirements are not precisely defined and managed.
Potential for vendor lock-in if the chosen solutions are proprietary and difficult to transition.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical HR functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a strong market assessment and potential for competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The task order structure under a BPA allows for flexibility and potentially streamlined acquisition for related services.
Focus on talent management transformation addresses a critical area for organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541611). This sector is characterized by firms providing expertise in organizational efficiency, strategic planning, and process improvement. The U.S. Coast Guard's investment in talent management transformation aligns with a broader government trend towards modernizing HR functions using advanced technologies and consulting services to improve workforce agility and effectiveness. Comparable spending in this sector often involves significant investments in system integration, change management, and strategic HR initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and the contractor, Java Productions, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in this snippet. Therefore, there are no direct small business set-aside implications. However, the contract's nature as a task order under a BPA might offer subcontracting opportunities for small businesses if Java Productions, Inc. chooses to engage them for specialized services, though this is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and program managers responsible for the Talent Management Transformation Task Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General may also have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if concerns arise regarding waste, fraud, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USCG Human Resources Modernization Efforts
DoD Talent Management Initiatives
Federal Workforce Development Programs
Government IT and Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
User adoption challenges
Integration with existing systems
Data migration complexities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.9 million to JAVA PRODUCTIONS, INC.. A CALL ORDER TO PROVIDE PERSONNEL, MANAGEMENT, MATERIALS, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES REQUIRED FOR THE USCG TALENT MANAGEMENT TRANSFORMATION (TMX) TASK FORCE (TF) (TMX-TF).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JAVA PRODUCTIONS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-05. End: 2025-10-04.

What is the track record of Java Productions, Inc. in delivering similar large-scale government transformation projects?

Assessing Java Productions, Inc.'s track record requires a deeper dive into their past performance on contracts of similar scope, complexity, and value. Specifically, one would look for evidence of successful implementation of talent management systems, HR process re-engineering, or large-scale organizational change initiatives within federal agencies. Key indicators include contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), client testimonials, and any history of contract disputes or terminations. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively assess their capability to execute the TMX-TF project successfully. A review of their awarded contracts and project descriptions would provide a clearer picture of their experience in areas like change management, system integration, and strategic consulting relevant to talent management.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or budget for the TMX-TF initiative?

The awarded amount of $7,905,083.49 represents the total value for this specific call order under the BPA. To determine if this is a competitive price, it should be compared against the government's independent government cost estimate (IGCE) or the ceiling value of the underlying BPA if applicable. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than the IGCE, it suggests strong competition or favorable contractor pricing. Conversely, if it's close to or exceeds the estimate, further scrutiny of the pricing structure and assumptions would be warranted. Benchmarking against similar talent management transformation projects in terms of cost per deliverable or cost per user could also provide valuable context for assessing value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'Talent Management Transformation (TMX) Task Force' initiative?

The primary risks associated with the TMX initiative likely revolve around change management and user adoption. Implementing new talent management systems and processes can face resistance from employees accustomed to legacy systems and workflows. Technical risks include potential integration challenges with existing HR IT infrastructure and data migration complexities. Furthermore, there's a risk that the transformation may not fully achieve its intended benefits if the scope is not clearly defined, if contractor performance is subpar, or if the USCG does not provide adequate internal support and resources. Ensuring clear communication, robust training, and strong leadership buy-in are crucial to mitigating these risks and achieving a successful transformation.

What specific performance metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the TMX-TF contract?

While the provided data doesn't detail specific performance metrics, successful execution of a Talent Management Transformation (TMX) contract typically involves metrics focused on efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) might include reductions in time-to-hire, improvements in employee retention rates, increased participation in training and development programs, enhanced accuracy of personnel data, and positive feedback from users (both HR staff and general workforce) regarding the new systems and processes. The contract's Statement of Work (SOW) would outline the precise metrics, targets, and reporting frequencies required to measure the contractor's performance and the overall success of the TMX initiative.

How does this contract fit into the broader digital transformation efforts within the Department of Homeland Security?

This contract for the USCG Talent Management Transformation (TMX) Task Force is likely a component of the broader digital transformation strategy within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS, like many large federal agencies, is undergoing efforts to modernize its IT infrastructure, improve data management, and enhance operational efficiency through digital solutions. Transforming talent management is a critical aspect of this, as an effective and agile workforce is essential for mission success. This TMX initiative could involve implementing modern HR software, streamlining workflows, and leveraging data analytics for better workforce planning, all of which align with DHS's goals of creating a more integrated, efficient, and responsive organization.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12235 GRAPEFIELD RD UNIT 5, BASTIAN, VA, 24314

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,905,083

Exercised Options: $7,905,083

Current Obligation: $7,905,083

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70Z02323A50000001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline